U.S. patent application number 15/442804 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-30 for automatically caching and sending electronic signatures.
The applicant listed for this patent is International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Joel Duquene, Morris S. Johnson, JR., Shelton M. Jones, II, Adrienne Y. Miller.
Application Number | 20180247252 15/442804 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63245404 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180247252 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duquene; Joel ; et
al. |
August 30, 2018 |
AUTOMATICALLY CACHING AND SENDING ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
Abstract
In one embodiment, a method for automatically caching and
sending electronic signatures is provided. The method includes
storing, by a mobile device, a digital signature, wherein the
digital signature is associated with information relating to an
expected delivery at an expected location, and wherein the mobile
device is located within a proximity of the expected location. The
method further includes detecting, by the mobile device, that a
delivery service has arrived at the expected location with a
package. The method further includes, in response to determining,
by the mobile device, that the package corresponds to the expected
delivery, authorizing, by the mobile device, the package to be left
at the expected location by transmitting the digital signature to a
delivery device associated with the delivery service.
Inventors: |
Duquene; Joel; (Raleigh,
NC) ; Johnson, JR.; Morris S.; (Cary, NC) ;
Jones, II; Shelton M.; (Durham, NC) ; Miller;
Adrienne Y.; (Durham, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
International Business Machines Corporation |
Armonk |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63245404 |
Appl. No.: |
15/442804 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/083 20130101;
G06F 21/604 20130101; H04L 2209/805 20130101; H04L 9/3247
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; H04L 9/32 20060101 H04L009/32 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: storing, by one or
more computer processors in a mobile device, a digital signature,
wherein the digital signature is associated with information
relating to an expected delivery at an expected location, and
wherein the mobile device is located within a proximity of the
expected location; detecting, by one or more computer processors in
the mobile device, that a delivery service has arrived at the
expected location with a package; and in response to determining,
by one or more processors in the mobile device, that the package
corresponds to the expected delivery, authorizing, by one or more
processors in the mobile device, the package to be left at the
expected location by transmitting the digital signature to a
delivery device associated with the delivery service.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the digital
signature includes a tag with information relating to the expected
delivery, wherein the tag is utilized in determining that the
package corresponds to the expected delivery, and wherein the
information relating to the expected delivery includes a tracking
number, an order number, a merchant or seller, a time of purchase,
a delivery company, and an expected date for delivery.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein detecting
that a delivery service has arrived at the expected location with a
package includes one of the following: detecting, by one or more
processors in the mobile device, a sound emitted by a doorbell or a
knocking sound on a door; receiving, by one or more processors in
the mobile device, an indication from a smart doorbell that a
delivery service has arrived with the package; receiving, by one or
more processors in the mobile device, an input from a security
camera; and receiving, by one or more processors in the mobile
device, a transmission from the delivery device relating to the
package.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
transmitting of the digital signature to the delivery device is
performed using one of the following: near-field communication
(NFC), WiFi, email, short message service (SMS), or Bluetooth.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
authorizing is further in response to detecting, by one or more
processors in the mobile device, that an intended recipient of the
expected delivery is unavailable to answer the door to sign for the
package.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein detecting
that the intended recipient of the expected delivery is unavailable
to answer the door to sign for the package comprises determining a
proximity value of the intended recipient in relation to the
expected location, wherein the proximity value is determined based
on one of the following: a location of the mobile device, whether
the mobile device is connected to a same network as a smart
doorbell installed at the expected location; whether a movement of
the mobile device has been detected by the network; or whether a
Bluetooth device associated with the intended recipient is within
connectivity range of the smart doorbell.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein detecting
that the intended recipient of the expected delivery is unavailable
to answer the door to sign for the package comprises determining
one of the following: whether a security system is armed; whether
any movements are detected inside a home by one or more motion
detectors or one or more security cameras; whether water is running
inside the home; or whether any appliances inside the home are
being used.
8. A computer program product comprising: one or more computer
readable storage media and program instructions stored on the one
or more computer readable storage media, wherein the one or more
computer readable storage media are not transitory signals per se,
the program instructions comprising: program instructions to store,
by a mobile device, a digital signature, wherein the digital
signature is associated with information relating to an expected
delivery at an expected location, and wherein the mobile device is
located within a proximity of the expected location; program
instructions to detect, by the mobile device, that a delivery
service has arrived at the expected location with a package; and
program instructions to, in response to determining, by the mobile
device, that the package corresponds to the expected delivery,
authorize, by the mobile device, the package to be left at the
expected location by transmitting the digital signature to a
delivery device associated with the delivery service.
9. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the digital
signature includes a tag with information relating to the expected
delivery, wherein the tag is utilized in determining that the
package corresponds to the expected delivery, and wherein the
information relating to the expected delivery includes a tracking
number, an order number, a merchant or seller, a time of purchase,
a delivery company, and an expected date for delivery.
10. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the program
instructions to detect that a delivery service has arrived at the
expected location with a package include one of the following:
program instructions to detect, by the mobile device, a sound
emitted by a doorbell or a knocking sound on a door; program
instructions to receive, by the mobile device, an indication from a
smart doorbell that a delivery service has arrived with the
package; program instructions to receive, by the mobile device, an
input from a security camera; and program instructions to receive,
by the mobile device, a transmission from the delivery device
relating to the package.
11. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the
transmitting of the digital signature to the delivery device is
performed using one of the following: near-field communication
(NFC), WiFi, email, short message service (SMS), or Bluetooth.
12. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the
authorizing is further in response to detecting, by the mobile
device, that an intended recipient of the expected delivery is
unavailable to answer the door to sign for the package.
13. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein detecting
that the intended recipient of the expected delivery is unavailable
to answer the door to sign for the package comprises determining a
proximity value of the intended recipient in relation to the
expected location, wherein the proximity value is determined based
on one of the following: a location of the mobile device, whether
the mobile device is connected to a same network as a smart
doorbell installed at the expected location; whether a movement of
the mobile device has been detected by the network; or whether a
Bluetooth device associated with the intended recipient is within
connectivity range of the smart doorbell.
14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein detecting
that the intended recipient of the expected delivery is unavailable
to answer the door to sign for the package comprises determining
one of the following: whether a security system is armed; whether
any movements are detected inside a home by one or more motion
detectors or one or more security cameras; whether water is running
inside the home; or whether any appliances inside the home are
being used.
15. A computer system comprising: one or more computer processors;
one or more computer readable storage media; program instructions
stored on the computer readable storage media for execution by at
least one of the one or more processors, the program instructions
comprising: program instructions to store, by a mobile device, a
digital signature, wherein the digital signature is associated with
information relating to an expected delivery at an expected
location, and wherein the mobile device is located within a
proximity of the expected location; program instructions to detect,
by the mobile device, that a delivery service has arrived at the
expected location with a package; and program instructions to, in
response to determining, by the mobile device, that the package
corresponds to the expected delivery, authorize, by the mobile
device, the package to be left at the expected location by
transmitting the digital signature to a delivery device associated
with the delivery service.
16. The computer system of claim 15, wherein the digital signature
includes a tag with information relating to the expected delivery,
wherein the tag is utilized in determining that the package
corresponds to the expected delivery, and wherein the information
relating to the expected delivery includes a tracking number, an
order number, a merchant or seller, a time of purchase, a delivery
company, and an expected date for delivery.
17. The computer system of claim 15, wherein the program
instructions to detect that a delivery service has arrived at the
expected location with a package include one of the following:
program instructions to detect, by the mobile device, a sound
emitted by a doorbell or a knocking sound on a door; program
instructions to receive, by the mobile device, an indication from a
smart doorbell that a delivery service has arrived with the
package; program instructions to receive, by the mobile device, an
input from a security camera; and program instructions to receive,
by the mobile device, a transmission from the delivery device
relating to the package.
18. The computer system of claim 15, wherein the transmitting of
the digital signature to the delivery device is performed using one
of the following: near-field communication (NFC), WiFi, email,
short message service (SMS), or Bluetooth.
19. The computer system of claim 15, wherein the authorizing is
further in response to detecting, by the mobile device, that an
intended recipient of the expected delivery is unavailable to
answer the door to sign for the package.
20. The computer system of claim 19, wherein detecting that the
intended recipient of the expected delivery is unavailable to
answer the door to sign for the package comprises determining a
proximity value of the intended recipient in relation to the
expected location, wherein the proximity value is determined based
on one of the following: a location of the mobile device, whether
the mobile device is connected to a same network as a smart
doorbell installed at the expected location; whether a movement of
the mobile device has been detected by the network; or whether a
Bluetooth device associated with the intended recipient is within
connectivity range of the smart doorbell.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
electronic signatures, and more particularly to storing and
emitting an electronic signature.
[0002] An electronic signature, also referred to as an e-signature,
refers to data in electronic form, that is used by a person to sign
his or her name, and generally provides the same legal standing as
a handwritten signature. Electronic signatures are increasingly
used in e-commerce and in regulatory filings to implement
signatures in a cryptographically protected way. An electronic
signature is generally intended to provide a secure and accurate
identification method for a signatory (i.e., person that is
signing), to provide a seamless transaction.
[0003] A package delivery, also referred to as a parcel delivery,
is the delivery of shipping containers, parcels, or high value mail
as single shipments. Package delivery services are typically
provided by postal systems, express mail providers, private package
delivery services, and less than truckload (LTL) shipping
carriers.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method,
computer program product, and system for automatically caching and
sending electronic signatures. The method includes storing, in a
mobile device, a digital signature, wherein the digital signature
is associated with information relating to an expected delivery at
an expected location, and wherein the mobile device is located
within a proximity of the expected location. The method further
includes detecting, in the mobile device, that a delivery service
has arrived at the expected location with a package. The method
further includes, in response to determining, in the mobile device,
that the package corresponds to the expected delivery, authorizing,
in the mobile device, the package to be left at the expected
location by transmitting the digital signature to a delivery device
associated with the delivery service.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a digital
signature processing environment, in an embodiment in accordance
with the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting operational steps of a
signature software, on a mobile device within the digital signature
processing environment of FIG. 1, for determining a tracking
information and caching a digital signature for a package, in an
embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a signature software, executing
on a mobile device within the digital signature processing
environment of FIG. 1, for transmitting a digital signature to a
delivery service for a package, in an embodiment in accordance with
the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting operational steps of a
signature software, on a mobile device within the digital signature
processing environment of FIG. 1, for transmitting a cached digital
signature to a delivery service for a package, in an embodiment in
accordance with the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of components of the mobile
device executing the signature software, in an embodiment in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention
recognize that package deliveries do not always arrive at an
expected time, which can be a problem when a signature is required
by a shipping party or a delivery service. For example, a person,
also referred to as an intended recipient, who is expecting an
important package that requires a signature upon delivery, may be
unable to come to the door due to attending to a child with the
flu. In another example, a person could be cleaning and operating a
noisy vacuum and not hear a doorbell. In both of the previous
examples, the person can miss the expected delivery due to being
occupied for a short period of time. A method is needed to provide
an electronic, also referred to as a digital, signature for a short
period of time, or on-demand, when the receiver (e.g., the person
expecting the package) is not able to come to the door and manually
sign for the delivery.
[0011] One solution to this problem would be to have the shipping
company, also referred as a delivery service, take the package to
an alternate location such as a neighbor's house. However, this
method depends on previous instructions to be made with the
delivery service instructing the delivery person to take the
package to the alternate location. The neighbor at the alternate
location is also required to be home and the same situations
previously described could cause the neighbor to temporarily be
unable to answer the door. Another solution would be to wait until
a next day to hopefully be able to answer the door when the
delivery service arrives. However, this is not optimal when the
expected package is important. Another solution would be to have
the shipping company hold the package at a distribution center and
have the recipient arrive at the distribution center at a later
time to pick the package up. However, this solution negates
advantages of using a shipping company. Another solution would be
to leave a note on the door for the delivery service that includes
a signature and instructions to leave the package by the door.
However, this solution discloses to others that a recipient is not
home/available and can be unsafe.
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention disclose a system that
stores an electronic signature on a device, and emits the signature
to a delivery service device when a party receiving a package is
not able to physically sign or otherwise be near a delivery
location, such as a front door. The signature is only emitted when
the user is not near the door and when the door bell and/or door
knock is heard, and/or when a security camera determines the
shipper is at the front door. The signature may be unique to a
specific shipper, package (e.g., tracking number), or time
period.
[0013] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention will
now be described in detail with reference to the Figures. FIG. 1 is
a functional block diagram, generally designated 100, illustrating
a digital signature processing environment, in an embodiment in
accordance with the present invention.
[0014] Digital signature processing environment 100 includes mobile
device 102, delivery device 120, service 140 and other computing
devices (not shown), all interconnected over network 118. Mobile
device 102 includes random access memory (RAM) 104, central
processing unit (CPU) 106, persistent storage 108, and user
interface 110. Mobile device 102 may be a Web server, or any other
electronic device or computing system, capable of processing
program instructions and receiving and sending data. In some
embodiments, mobile device 102 may be a laptop computer, a tablet
computer, a netbook computer, a personal computer (PC), a desktop
computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, or any
programmable electronic device capable of communicating over a data
connection to network 118. In other embodiments, mobile device 102
may represent server computing systems utilizing multiple computers
as a server system, such as in a distributed computing environment.
In general, mobile device 102 is representative of any electronic
device or combinations of electronic devices capable of executing
machine-readable program instructions and communicating with
delivery device 120 via network 118 and with various components and
devices (not shown) within digital signature processing environment
100.
[0015] Mobile device 102 includes persistent storage 108.
Persistent storage 108 may, for example, be a hard disk drive.
Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive,
persistent storage 108 may include a solid state hard drive, a
semiconductor storage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other
computer-readable storage medium that is capable of storing program
instructions or digital information.
[0016] Operating system 112, signature software 114, and digital
signature 116 are stored in persistent storage 108, which also
includes software (not shown) that enables mobile device 102 to
communicate with delivery device 120, service 140, and other
computing devices (not shown) of digital signature processing
environment 100 over a data connection on network 118. In other
example embodiments, signature software 114 may be a component of
operating system 112.
[0017] Signature software 114 is a computer program, or set of
computer programs, that enables a user to store a digital signature
(e.g., digital signature 116) for a package, on mobile device 102,
and at a later time, emit the digital signature to a delivery
service device (e.g., delivery device 120), when the user receiving
the package is not able to physically sign or otherwise be near the
door. Additionally, prior to storing the digital signature for the
package, signature software can query a user's email, calendar,
and/or text messages to determine one or more shipping
confirmations and record a tracking number, a delivery service, an
expected arrival date, and whether signature is required for the
package.
[0018] Digital signature 116 is a hand written signature belonging
to a user of mobile device 102. For example, the user of mobile
device 102 can write a signature on a paper, then scan the
signature using a scan feature (not shown) of mobile device 102. In
another example embodiment, the user can use user interface 110 to
manually write a signature. For example, the user of mobile device
102 can write a signature on user interface 110 using a finger. In
another example, the user of mobile device 102 can write a
signature on user interface 110 using a stylus, also referred to as
a stylus pen. In computing, a stylus is a small pen-shaped
instrument that is used to input commands to a computer screen,
mobile device or graphics tablet. When using touchscreen devices, a
user places a stylus on the surface of the screen to draw or make
selections by tapping the stylus on the screen. In another example
embodiment, the user of mobile device 102 can type a signature
using a format such as an S-signature format. An S-signature is a
signature inserted between forward slash marks, but not a
handwritten signature (e.g., /John Doe/). In other example
embodiments, the user can create a digital signature using pen
computing techniques that utilize a mouse or trackpad pointing
devices on a computing device within digital signature processing
environment 100.
[0019] In one example embodiment, signature software 114 can
utilize a mathematical algorithm, such as public key infrastructure
(PKI), when generating digital signature 116. PKI is a set of
roles, policies, and procedures needed to create, manage,
distribute, use, store, and revoke digital certificates and manage
public-key encryption. When creating digital signature 116 for a
user of mobile device 102, signature software 114 generates digital
signature 116 using a private key, which is securely stored in
persistent storage 108. The mathematical algorithm acts as a
cipher, creating data matching the users hand written signature,
called a hash, and then encrypts the data. The resulting encrypted
data is digital signature 116. Digital signature 116 is also
marked, or tagged, with the time that the signature was created. If
any portion of the data changes at any time after being created,
digital signature 116 is invalidated. In other example embodiments,
digital signature 116 can be stored using service 140.
[0020] Mobile device 102 also includes user interface 110. User
interface 110 is a program that provides an interface between a
user of mobile device 102 and a plurality of applications that may
reside in mobile device 102 (e.g., signature software 114), and/or
applications on computing devices that may be accessed over a data
connection on network 118. A user interface, such as user interface
110, refers to the information (e.g., graphic, text, sound) that a
program presents to a user and the control sequences the user
employs to control the program. User interface 110 is a type of
interface that allows users to interact with peripheral devices
(i.e., external computer hardware that provides input and output
for a computing device, such as a keyboard and mouse, or touch
control) through graphical icons and visual indicators as opposed
to text-based interfaces, typed command labels, or text navigation.
The actions in graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are often performed
through direct manipulation of the graphical elements. A variety of
types of user interfaces exist. In one embodiment, user interface
110 is a GUI. In another embodiment, user interface 110 may be a
web user interface (WUI) and can display text, documents, web
browser windows, user options, application interfaces, and
instructions for operation, and includes the information (such as
graphic, text, and sound) that a program presents to a user and the
control sequences the user employs to control the program. User
interface 110 may also be mobile application software that provides
an interface between a user of mobile device 102, delivery device
120, service 140, and other devices (not shown), over a data
connection on network 118. Mobile application software, or an
"app," is a computer program designed to run on smart phones,
tablet computers and other mobile devices. User interface 110
enables a user of mobile device 102, and signature software 114, to
capture, and/or receive, hand written signatures.
[0021] Mobile device 102 may include internal and external hardware
components, as depicted and described in further detail with
respect to FIG. 5.
[0022] In FIG. 1, network 118 is shown as the interconnecting
fabric between mobile device 102, delivery device 120, service 140,
and with various components and devices (not shown) within digital
signature processing environment 100. In practice, the connection
may be any viable data transport network, such as, for example, a
LAN or WAN. Network 118 can be for example, a local area network
(LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or a
combination of the two, and include wired, wireless, or fiber optic
connections. In general, network 118 can be any combination of
connections and protocols that will support communications between
mobile device 102, delivery device 120, and with various components
and devices (not shown) within digital signature processing
environment 100.
[0023] Delivery device 120 is also included in digital signature
processing environment 100. Delivery device 120 includes random
access memory (RAM) 122, central processing unit (CPU) 124,
persistent storage 126, and user interface 128. Delivery device 120
may be a Web server, or any other electronic device or computing
system, capable of processing program instructions and receiving
and sending data. In some embodiments, delivery device 120 may be a
laptop computer, a tablet computer, a netbook computer, a personal
computer (PC), a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a smart phone, or any programmable electronic device capable
of communicating over a data connection to network 118. In other
embodiments, delivery device 120 may represent server computing
systems utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in
a distributed computing environment. In general, delivery device
120 is representative of any electronic devices or combinations of
electronic devices capable of executing machine-readable program
instructions and communicating with mobile device 102 via network
118 and with various components and devices (not shown) within
digital signature processing environment 100.
[0024] Delivery device 120 includes persistent storage 126.
Persistent storage 126 may, for example, be a hard disk drive.
Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive,
persistent storage 126 may include a solid state hard drive, a
semiconductor storage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other
computer-readable storage medium that is capable of storing program
instructions or digital information.
[0025] Operating system 130 and delivery software 132 are stored in
persistent storage 126, which also includes software (not shown)
that enables delivery software 132 to communicate with mobile
device 102, service 140, and other computing devices (not shown) of
digital signature processing environment 100 over a data connection
on network 118. In other example embodiments, delivery software 132
may be a component of operating system 130.
[0026] Delivery device 120 also includes user interface 128. User
interface 128 is a program that provides an interface between a
user of delivery device 120 and a plurality of applications that
may reside in delivery device 120 (e.g., delivery software 132),
and/or applications on computing devices that may be accessed over
a data connection on network 118. User interface 128 enables a user
of delivery device 120, and delivery software 132, to receive
digital signature 116 and other instructions pertaining to a
delivered package.
[0027] Service 140 is also included in digital signature processing
environment 100. In one example embodiment, service 140 is a cloud
service capable of monitoring deliveries. Service 140 can store one
or more digital signatures (e.g., digital signature 116), relating
to a plurality of subscribed clients, wherein service 140 can track
a shipment and transmit digital signature 116 upon detecting a
delivery service presence at a residence. In another example
embodiment, service 140 can determine that a delivery service has
arrived via a smart doorbell. Service 140 can receive a signal from
delivery device 120 relating a package. Upon determining that the
received signal identifies a stored digital signature stored at
service 140, service 140 can transmit the stored digital signature,
such as digital signature 116, to delivery device 120.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a flowchart, generally designated 200, depicting
operational steps of a signature software, on a mobile device
within the digital signature processing environment of FIG. 1, for
determining a tracking information and caching a digital signature
for a package, in an embodiment in accordance with the present
invention. In an example embodiment, a user stores a digital
signature (e.g., digital signature 116), on mobile device 102 using
signature software 114. In one example embodiment, the user of
mobile device 102 can scan a signature using a scan feature (not
shown) of mobile device 102. In another example embodiment, the
user can use user interface 110. For example, the user of mobile
device 102 can write a signature on user interface 110 using a
finger. In another example, the user of mobile device 102 can write
a signature on user interface 110 using a stylus, also referred to
as a stylus pen. In other example embodiments, the user can create
a digital signature using pen computing techniques that utilize a
mouse or trackpad pointing devices on a computing device within
digital signature processing environment 100. In still other
example embodiments, the user can create a digital signature using
a digital keyboard on mobile device 102.
[0029] Signature software 114 receives a digital signature for a
package as depicted in step 202. For example, a user of mobile
device 102, using signature software 114, can creating digital
signature 116 by signing a signature on user interface 110. In
another example embodiment, the user of mobile device 102 can use
signature software 114 to scan in a signature. In other example
embodiments, signature software 114 can receive digital signature
116 via a text message, email, and/or any electronic communication
between mobile device 102 and one or more computing devices within
digital signature processing environment 100.
[0030] In step 204, signature software 114 determines tracking
information for the package. For example, signature software 114
can determine information relating to the package, such as a
tracking number, an order number, an invoice for the order, the
merchant or seller, a time of purchase, the delivery company and/or
an expected date for the delivery. Signature software 114 can
determine information relating to the package by querying one or
more text messages, wherein the one or more text messages are
confirmation text messages relating to a recent purchase. Signature
software 114 can determine information relating to the package by
monitoring one or more email accounts or calendars configured on
mobile device 102, or on one or more computing devices within
digital signature processing environment 100, wherein the one or
more email accounts or calendars configured on mobile device 102
contain information relating to the package. Stated another way,
signature software 114 can monitor text messages, email accounts,
and/or calendars to determine a plurality of information relating
to a package delivery.
[0031] Signature software 114 caches the digital signature with tag
information identifying the package, the seller, and the delivery
service as depicted in step 206. For example, upon creating digital
signature 116 using the previously described methods, signature
software 114 tags digital signature 116 with tag information
relating to the package such as a tracking number, an order number,
an invoice for the order, the merchant or seller, a time of
purchase, the delivery company and/or an expected date for the
delivery. Signature software 114 then stores digital signature 116
in persistent storage 108 to be used at a later time. In another
example embodiment, signature software 114 can store digital
signature 116 at service 140 with tag information relating to the
package such as a tracking number, an order number, an invoice for
the order, the merchant or seller, a time of purchase, the delivery
company and/or an expected date for the delivery.
[0032] FIG. 3 is an illustration, generally designated 300, of a
signature software, executing on a mobile device within the digital
signature processing environment of FIG. 1, for transmitting a
digital signature to a delivery service for a package, in an
embodiment in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is a
flowchart, generally designated 400, depicting operational steps of
signature software, on a mobile device within the digital signature
processing environment of FIG. 1, for transmitting a cached digital
signature to a delivery service for a package, in an embodiment in
accordance with the present invention. The elements of FIG. 3 and
the operational steps of FIG. 4 will now be discussed over the
course of the following paragraphs.
[0033] In an example embodiment, signature software 114 detects a
delivery service has arrived at an expected delivery location as
depicted in step 402 of FIG. 4. For example, a user of mobile
device 102 cannot answer the door (i.e. the expected delivery
location) and leaves mobile device 102 near (i.e. within a
proximity of) the door to transmit digital signature 116 when the
delivery service arrives with package 302 as depicted in FIG. 3. In
this example, "within a proximity" of the door means that mobile
device 102 is within communications range of the door (or an
object, such as delivery device 120, located outside of the door).
Signature software 114 can detect the delivery service arrival by:
(i) detecting the sound emitted by a doorbell and/or a knocking
sound on the door, (ii) receiving an indication from a smart
doorbell (not shown) that the delivery service has arrived, (iii)
receiving a transmission from delivery device 120, (iv) receiving a
cloud notification from service 140 (e.g., if the shipping service
has an online tracking system), and/or (v) receiving an indication
from a video camera (e.g., one or more security cameras) and
machine vision to determine that a package is being delivered.
[0034] In step 406, signature software 114 requests package
information from the delivery device. For example, signature
software 114 can transmit a request for package information. In one
example embodiment, the transmitted request can be instructions
that request delivery device 120 to transmit any package
information destined for the owner of mobile device 102. Stated
another way, signature software 114 asks delivery device 120 for
any package information. In another example embodiment, the
transmitted request can be instructions that request delivery
device 120 to transmit package information for two or more expected
packages. For example, signature software 114 can transmit a
request for information relating to two or more expected packages.
The transmitted request can include information identifying the two
or more expected packages such as a tracking number, an order
number, an invoice for the order, the merchant or seller, an
expected receiver, a time of purchase, the delivery company and/or
an expected date for the delivery.
[0035] Signature software 114 receives information identifying the
seller, the receiver, and the package from the delivery device as
depicted in step 408. For example, delivery device 120 can transmit
information that identifies package 302, wherein the transmitted
data includes a tracking number, an order number, an invoice for
the order, the merchant or seller, a time of purchase, the delivery
company and/or an expected date for the delivery. In other example
embodiments, signature software 114 can receive information that
identifies two or more packages from delivery device 120. For
example, signature software 114 can receive information from
delivery device 120 relating to two or more expected packages. The
received data can include information identifying the two or more
expected packages such as a tracking number, an order number, an
invoice for the order, the merchant or seller, an expected
receiver, a time of purchase, the delivery company, an expected
date for the delivery, and/or whether a signature is required.
[0036] In decision step 410, signature software 114 determines if a
signature is required for the package. For example, upon receiving
information for package 302 from delivery device 120, signature
software 114 can retrieve the previously cached information for
package 302 in persistent storage 108, wherein the previously
cached information for package 302 can contain digital signature
116. If signature software 114 determines that a signature is
required for package 302 ("Yes" branch, decision step 410),
signature software 114 transmits the previously cached digital
signature 116 with tag information identifying package 302 as
depicted in step 412. For example, signature software 114 transmits
digital signature 116 to delivery device 120, wherein digital
signature 116 can include tag information, wherein the tag is
utilized in determining that the package corresponds to the
expected delivery, and wherein the information relating to the
expected delivery includes a tracking number, an order number, a
merchant or seller, a time of purchase, a delivery company, an
expected date for delivery, an expected receiver, and/or whether a
signature is required.
[0037] If signature software 114 determines that a signature is not
required for package 302 ("No" branch, decision step 410),
signature software 114 executes step 416. For example, upon
retrieving the previously cached information for package 302 in
persistent storage 108, signature software determines that a
signature is not required to receive delivery for package 302.
[0038] In step 414, signature software 114 receives a confirmation
for package 302 identified by the digital signature. For example,
delivery device 120 and/or delivery software 132 transmit a
notification that package 302 has been, or is ready to be
delivered.
[0039] Signature software instructs the delivery service to leave
package 302 at a location as depicted in step 416. For example,
signature software 114 can instruct, or authorize, the delivery
person to leave package 302 at a certain location to avoid unwanted
attention of an unattended package in plain view. For example,
signature software 114 can instruct the delivery person to leave
package 302 in a bin located near the door to the residence.
[0040] In an alternate example embodiment, the user has a smart
doorbell (not shown), with an instance of signature software 114,
installed in a home. The user can store digital signature 116 in
the smart doorbell using an app (e.g., an instance of signature
software 114) on mobile device 102. Signature software 114 queries
email, calendar, text messages for shipping confirmations and
records tracking numbers, the shipper, the expected arrival date,
and whether a signature is required upon delivery. For a package
where signature is required, the signature software 114 caches
digital signature 116, then tags digital signature 116 specifically
for the shipper and package in route, and sends that data to the
smart doorbell.
[0041] Upon detecting that a shipment/shipper arrives, the smart
doorbell can determine carrier/shipment arrival by methods that
could include: (i) identification through the smart doorbell's
video feed, (ii) detecting that the doorbell button has been
pressed, (iii) detecting a knock on the door, and/or (iv) detecting
a signal that identifies the carrier and tracking number of the
shipment being emitted by carrier's device. The smart doorbell then
determines whether digital signature 116 should be broadcast or if
the receiver of the package is available to sign for shipment.
Determining if the receiver is available can include a proximity
value that can be determined by the location of mobile device 102
associated with the intended recipient and if mobile device 102 is
connected to the same WiFi network as the smart doorbell. For
example, the receiver of the package can be attending a family
event in the back yard of the residence. The smart doorbell can
detect that mobile device is not connected to the same WiFi network
as the smart doorbell, resulting in a low proximity value, and
automatically transmit digital signature 116 to delivery device
120. Availability can also be determined by movement (e.g., mobile
device 102 in the users pocket), or Bluetooth/lack of Bluetooth
device connectivity to headphones, fitness trackers, etc. In a
connected home, the smart doorbell could use data from the system
(e.g., digital signature processing environment 100) to determine
availability. In some embodiments, availability corresponds to
whether the receiver (or another person) is present inside the
receiver's home. Some examples of data that can be used to
determine availability in these embodiments include: whether a
security system is armed, whether one or more motion sensors, also
referred to as one or more motion detectors, have detected movement
inside the house, whether water is running, and/or whether any
appliances are being used at that moment. In some embodiments,
availability corresponds to the receiver's nearness to the door. In
these embodiments, a receiver is considered to be not available, or
unavailable, when the receiver's nearness (e.g., proximity value)
to the door is such that the receiver would not be predicted to be
able to move to the door within a predefined time period. For
example, upon determining a delivery service has arrived with an
expected package, the smart doorbell can determine that the
receiver is unavailable using one or more smart home features that
indicate a security system is currently armed, mobile device 102 is
set to a "do not disturb" mode or powered off, and water is running
in an upstairs bath tub. In another example, the smart doorbell can
detect that the receiver is away from the home by locating mobile
device 102 that indicates the receiver is traveling in a
vehicle.
[0042] When the smart doorbell determines the user or receiver of
the package is not available (e.g., the receiver of the package
went upstairs to take a shower), digital signature 116 is
automatically transmitted. In one example embodiment, the smart
doorbell could wait a specified period of time for the receiver to
answer the door before sending the digital signature 116, or send
digital signature 116 immediately after confirming the package has
arrived and the receiver is not available to sign. In another
example embodiment, the user or receiver can override having the
smart doorbell detect availability or nearness and immediately send
digital signature 116 during a specified time period (e.g., between
2 pm and 3 pm while the user or receiver is away from the home) or
for a certain length of time (e.g., for the next 20 minutes while
the user or receiver is unable to answer the door).
[0043] The smart doorbell emits digital signature 116 stored for a
specific package/tracking number and carrier via existing
technologies, such as near-field communication (NFC), wireless,
email, text also referred to as short message service (SMS), and
Bluetooth. NFC is a set of communication protocols that enable two
electronic devices, one of which is usually a portable device such
as mobile device 102 and delivery device 120, to establish
communication by bringing them within 4 cm (1.6 in) of each other.
The shipper receives digital signature 116 and subsequently leaves
the package.
[0044] In other example embodiments, in situations where the
receiver is not home but is en route to the home or travelling
elsewhere (i.e., away from the home) when the delivery service
arrives, cloud service (e.g., service 140) can automatically send
digital signature 116 or notify the delivery person to not leave
the package based on the receiver instructions relating to
unavailability (e.g., when the receiver is away from home). In
another example embodiment, where the receiver is traveling away
from the home (delivery address), the receiver may not want to
electronically sign for the package and hence prevent delivery. For
example, while away from the home, the receiver can be notified by
service 140 that a package has arrived. The receiver can then
instruct service 140 to not send digital signature 116 to prevent
the package from being left unattended for a length of time.
Service 140 can then instruct the delivery service to not leave the
package, or not stop at the residence. In another example
embodiment, where a signature is not required however the receiver
may want to signal, or instruct, the delivery person to not leave
the package. The delivery person does not need to stop by the house
for this to be determined. The cloud service (e.g., service 140)
can automatically send this notification.
[0045] In a case where the receiver is in route to their home
(delivery address) but will not reach the address before the
delivery person, the receiver can send the electronic signature so
the package will get delivered with a digital signature
confirmation. In this scenario the electronic signature and
indication if a package should or should not be delivered could be
transmitted directly to a cloud based service, such as service 140,
that is tracking the whereabouts of the receiver and the delivery
person.
[0046] The delivery person is then notified via the cloud based
service. Alternatively the receiver could send a message (directly
or via cloud based service) to any other devices left in the home
to emit digital signature 116. Or, the cloud service itself may
emit digital signature 116 on behalf of the end user.
[0047] Embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to
specify a time window within which a package may be signed and
accepted by a receiver even though the receiver is not physically
present to provide a signature. A user may want to be able to allow
the package to be delivered during a particular time window, but
not during others, when the user may not be available to provide
the signature in order to accept the physical package. At other
times, the user may not want to have the package delivered. The
time window when a user may be able to allow for a package to be
signed for is dynamic. For example, the receiver may be temporarily
unavailable because the receiver is in the shower. The receiver's
devices may have information about the whereabouts of the receiver;
examples of such include the receiver being in the house but
unavailable, or being on the way home and nearly there. A user may
also know that the user or a trusted third party is almost at the
delivery location to receive the package, but may not be able to
make it in time to be present when the package arrives, etc. The
receiver may want to have the package signed for and delivered even
though the receiver is not present, but only during a certain time
window.
[0048] FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram, generally designated 500, of
components of the mobile device executing the signature software,
in an embodiment in accordance with the present invention. It
should be appreciated that FIG. 5 provides only an illustration of
one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard
to the environments in which different embodiments may be
implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environment may be
made.
[0049] Mobile device 102 includes communications fabric 502, which
provides communications between computer processor(s) 504, memory
506, persistent storage 508, communications unit 510, and
input/output (I/O) interface(s) 512. Communications fabric 502 can
be implemented with any architecture designed for passing data
and/or control information between processors (such as
microprocessors, communications and network processors, etc.),
system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware
components within a system. For example, communications fabric 502
can be implemented with one or more buses.
[0050] Memory 506 and persistent storage 508 are computer readable
storage media. In this embodiment, memory 506 includes random
access memory (RAM) 514 and cache memory 516. In general, memory
506 can include any suitable volatile or non-volatile computer
readable storage media.
[0051] Signature software 522 and digital signature 524 are stored
in persistent storage 508 for execution and/or access by one or
more of the respective computer processors 504 via one or more
memories of memory 506. In this embodiment, persistent storage 508
includes a magnetic hard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition
to a magnetic hard disk drive, persistent storage 508 can include a
solid state hard drive, a semiconductor storage device, read-only
memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash
memory, or any other computer readable storage media that is
capable of storing program instructions or digital information.
[0052] The media used by persistent storage 508 may also be
removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for
persistent storage 508. Other examples include optical and magnetic
disks, thumb drives, and smart cards that are inserted into a drive
for transfer onto another computer readable storage medium that is
also part of persistent storage 508.
[0053] Communications unit 510, in these examples, provides for
communications with other data processing systems or devices,
including resources of network 118, delivery device 120, and
service 140. In these examples, communications unit 510 includes
one or more network interface cards. Communications unit 510 may
provide communications through the use of either or both physical
and wireless communications links. Signature software 522 and
digital signature 524 may be downloaded to persistent storage 508
through communications unit 510.
[0054] I/O interface(s) 512 allows for input and output of data
with other devices that may be connected to mobile device 102. For
example, I/O interface 512 may provide a connection to external
devices 518 such as a keyboard, keypad, a touch screen, and/or some
other suitable input device. External devices 518 can also include
portable computer readable storage media such as, for example,
thumb drives, portable optical or magnetic disks, and memory cards.
Software and data used to practice embodiments of the present
invention, e.g., signature software 522 and digital signature 524,
can be stored on such portable computer readable storage media and
can be loaded onto persistent storage 508 via I/O interface(s) 512.
I/O interface(s) 512 also connect to a display 520.
[0055] Display 520 provides a mechanism to display data to a user
and may be, for example, a computer monitor.
[0056] The programs described herein are identified based upon the
application for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment
of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that any
particular program nomenclature herein is used merely for
convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use
solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by
such nomenclature.
[0057] The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a
computer program product at any possible technical detail level of
integration. The computer program product may include a computer
readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program
instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects
of the present invention.
[0058] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible
device that can retain and store instructions for use by an
instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium
may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage
device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an
electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or
any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of
more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium
includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk,
a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static
random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a
floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or
raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon,
and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable
storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being
transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely
propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves
propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g.,
light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical
signals transmitted through a wire.
[0059] Computer readable program instructions described herein can
be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a
computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or
external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a
local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical
transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls,
switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter
card or network interface in each computing/processing device
receives computer readable program instructions from the network
and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage
in a computer readable storage medium within the respective
computing/processing device.
[0060] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out
operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions,
instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine
instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware
instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated
circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any
combination of one or more programming languages, including an
object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the
like, and procedural programming languages, such as the "C"
programming language or similar programming languages. The computer
readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's
computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software
package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote
computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the
latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's
computer through any type of network, including a local area
network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may
be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet
using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments,
electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic
circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable
logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program
instructions by utilizing state information of the computer
readable program instructions to personalize the electronic
circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present
invention.
[0061] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products
according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable
program instructions.
[0062] These computer readable program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to
produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via
the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in
a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a
programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable
storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an
article of manufacture including instructions which implement
aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block
diagram block or blocks.
[0063] The computer readable program instructions may also be
loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing
apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps
to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or
other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that
the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable
apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0064] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified
logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in
the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of
the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can
be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that
perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations
of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0065] Definitions
[0066] "Present invention" does not create an absolute indication
and/or implication that the described subject matter is covered by
the initial set of claims, as filed, by any as-amended set of
claims drafted during prosecution, and/or by the final set of
claims allowed through patent prosecution and included in the
issued patent. The term "present invention" is used to assist in
indicating a portion or multiple portions of the disclosure that
might possibly include an advancement or multiple advancements over
the state of the art. This understanding of the term "present
invention" and the indications and/or implications thereof are
tentative and provisional and are subject to change during the
course of patent prosecution as relevant information is developed
and as the claims may be amended.
[0067] "Embodiment," see the definition for "present
invention."
[0068] "And/or" is the inclusive disjunction, also known as the
logical disjunction and commonly known as the "inclusive or." For
example, the phrase "A, B, and/or C," means that at least one of A
or B or C is true; and "A, B, and/or C" is only false if each of A
and B and C is false.
[0069] A "set of" items means there exists one or more items; there
must exist at least one item, but there can also be two, three, or
more items. A "subset of" items means there exists one or more
items within a grouping of items that contain a common
characteristic.
[0070] A "plurality of" items means there exists at more than one
item; there must exist at least two items, but there can also be
three, four, or more items.
[0071] "Includes" and any variants (e.g., including, include, etc.)
means, unless explicitly noted otherwise, "includes, but is not
necessarily limited to."
[0072] A "user" includes, but is not necessarily limited to: (i) a
single individual human; (ii) an artificial intelligence entity
with sufficient intelligence to act in the place of a single
individual human or more than one human; (iii) a business entity
for which actions are being taken by a single individual human or
more than one human; and/or (iv) a combination of any one or more
related "users" acting as a single "user."
[0073] The terms "receive," "provide," "send," "input," "output,"
and "report" should not be taken to indicate or imply, unless
otherwise explicitly specified: (i) any particular degree of
directness with respect to the relationship between an object and a
subject; and/or (ii) a presence or absence of a set of intermediate
components, intermediate actions, and/or things interposed between
an object and a subject.
[0074] A "computer" is any device with significant data processing
and/or machine readable instruction reading capabilities including,
but not necessarily limited to: desktop computers; mainframe
computers; laptop computers; field-programmable gate array (FPGA)
based devices; smart phones; personal digital assistants (PDAs);
body-mounted or inserted computers; embedded device style
computers; and/or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)
based devices.
[0075] "Automatically" means "without any human intervention."
* * * * *